Ministers must visit drought-hit areas: Kagodu Thimmappa
Congress govt in Karnataka seems to be more scared of facing Kagodu Thimmappa, the octogenarian politician, than tackling the Opposition BJP
By : bhaskar hegde
Update: 2015-09-07 06:46 GMT
What is the latest on holding the legislature session this month?
I do not know. The government told me in Belagavi that they would like to convene the legislature session sometime in September. In a day or two, I will call the law minister and discuss the matter.
What is the agenda?
The concept is simple. When they wanted to bring an amendment to the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, the government said if need be one more legislature session could be held in September where a comprehensive bill could be introduced. So far the Lokayukta has not resigned (smiles). That issue is still relevant. Now that the state is witnessing a severe drought, honestly I felt even the drought situation can be discussed in the session. And I conveyed this to the government too. I do not know what they have in mind.
You know what may happen. The opposition will blame the government and the latter will accuse the Centre of not coming to its rescue. It may turn out to be a platform to score political points..
The intention is to highlight the real issues in every constituency. It will help the government to assess the situation. The MLAs should give a realistic picture on the ground. The government can also take interest in resolving the issues. It is the responsibility of the state. It depends on the relations between you and the Centre. You have to go and pursue it to give more funds.
The government is claiming the drought is the worst in 40 years. Is it true?
I heard so. We need to collate data and check. Some districts are witnessing unprecedented crisis.
In 1985, the state witnessed a drought which resembled a famine. In early 2000, the state witnessed drought for three consecutive years...
Yes, I have not visited the places. I am also relying on the data given by the government. For example, I reviewed the conditions in Shivamogga district. We had 41 per cent deficit rainfall. You can just imagine the situation. When a district like Shivamogga is witnessing such shortfall, what can be the fate of other districts? It is severe.
Is the present one so severe or is the government making up a case to cover its failure?
(laughs). I do not know. When I don’t know, I should not comment. Since I have not toured the districts, I am not in a position to speak authoritatively. So, I should not comment.
A few days ago, you made some comments about the present political situation (Congress and JD-S coming together). What exactly did you mean by it?
No need to analyse or pass comments. I am away from it.
Have you felt the government wasted time in politicking than rushing to resolve the drought?
That’s why I made that statement (expressing my displeasure over the alliance between Congress-JD-S). I want the government to act. The ministers should visit the worst affected areas. If you delay, those affected may feel bad and the situation may turn worse.
Many in the government say you are embarrassing the government again and again because you did not get a ministerial berth. If you are made a minister, you will be happy and will not make any statement. Your view on this..
I would like to make a point clear. I never aspired for anything. Really. I did not want any position. I had said I would remain as an ordinary MLA. They (chief minister) insisted I accept this post. I did not need it.
They feel you highlighting the problems of the public is only an excuse.
(looks agitated) I came up through agitations. I did not show topi (try to deceive) to voters and win elections. In election, victory or defeat is common. I am not bothered about electoral prospects. Agitation is part of our politics. We need to highlight the problems no matter where we are. For example, you take the issue of forest rights. Till date, work has not happened. I won’t hesitate to say this. Officers have not shown keen interest. Last year a circular was issued, this year again, it was reissued. I will continue to fight. I am pained officers are not showing interest.
A peculiar situation prevails. When BJP was in power, our intellectuals and others would speak quite often on the performance of the government. Now nobody is speaking. Only you and H.S. Doreswamy are speaking. When a large section is not speaking, that means, they might be right and you might be biased...
Even to date, if schemes are not implemented properly I will raise my voice. I will not hesitate. Otherwise, I do not open my mouth. As far as I am concerned, I am not biased because I have no vested interests to fulfil. For me, issues should be resolved fast. For me, the forests rights’ issue should be resolved fast. If they resolve this, I will be more than happy.
In Ramachandrapur math swamiji issue, many feel that both the government and CID are under pressure not to act. Since, you come from that area, what do you feel? Do you think there is some pressure at work behind the scenes?
I do not want to talk about it. Why did women go there? Why did women stay in the math, I do not understand. I do not understand what’s happening there. There are two groups within the community. Our K.H. Srinivas is also against the Swamiji. But I do not know the reality, so I should not speak.